Late Inning Drama Unfolds As Bulls Rally
Published on July 23, 2010 under International League (IL1)
Durham Bulls News Release
Durham, NC - The Bulls came out victorious in dramatic fashion on Friday night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, scoring two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to win 5-4 over Syracuse. After giving up three in the top of the inning to give up the lead, the Durham offense took it back as Joe Dillon brought home the go-ahead run with an RBI single. The win improves the Bulls to 59-40 on the season, as they pick up a game on Charlotte and sit atop the Southern Division with a 9.0 game lead.
Brian Baker got the start for the Bulls and put on an impressive performance in 6.0 innings of work. The right-hander allowed two hits and struck out eight, allowing one earned run on an RBI double by former Bull Luis Ordaz.
International League home run leader Dan Johnson put Durham on top in the bottom of the first inning, hitting a two-run shot for his 27th of the season. They would add another run in the fifth inning on a solo homer by Desmond Jennings, his second of the season to make it a 3-1 game.
The Bulls gave up the lead in the top of the eighth, as Joe Bateman walked the first two batters in the inning to bring the go-ahead run to the plate. Dale Thayer came on in relief, striking out Chase Lambin swinging for the first out of the inning. Jason Botts followed with a three-run homer that just made it over the wall in center field, putting the Chiefs on top 4-3.
Durham came back in the bottom of the inning, loading the bases on a pair of walks and a bunt single by Justin Ruggiano. After falling behind in the count, Villone plunked Dioner Navarro in the hand with a pitch to force home the tying run. Josh Wilkie came out of the bullpen to face Dillon, who responded with a bloop single over the head of the shortstop to plate the Bulls fifth and final run of the game.
Winston Abreu worked a perfect ninth inning for his 13th, as Thayer picked up the win and improves his record on the season to 2-1.
The two teams continue their series tomorrow as RHP Jeremy Hellickson (11-3 2.56) takes the mound against RHP Jeff Mandel (4-5 4.80) for Syracuse. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.
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